Denon DP-47F value, questions

[montrecott]

I've been looking to make a turntable upgrade (I've got two Technics, an SL-1700 & SL-Q3). I've spotted a Denon DP-47F for $225 locally. That sounds like a great deal since it sells on eBay for $400+ not including shipping. However in this case, the TT powers up, but no further testing has been done. It's being sold by a woman in an affluent area who says it was turned in for a charity sale but didn't sell in that sale, so she's going this route. It sounds like she doesn't want anyone in her house or garage (can't blame her) so it would be a straight up exchange without confirming it is fully functional.

Worth the risk?

Anything else to be aware of with this table? Pics are attached--hopefully everything that should be there is there?

 

[grillebilly]

Pretty nice table if it holds speed it probably is worth it…but…. without a thorough test you are rolling the dice. Tough call. If it was me I would offer what a parts unit would fetch locally or walk. I don’t like gambling.

 

[nbndtrain]

I would grab it. I bought a working one 10 years ago for $225 and still use it all the time. It looks like it might come with a DL-160 cart which is also hard to find

 

[hjames]

I have a DP-45F I bought new in '84. Works well, but I rarely use it anymore. I have heard they can be the devil if the automated controls and data boards act up.
Unobtainium parts and all of that. Like Grillbilly says, without a test, offer low.
Or - have her toss an extension cord out from the garage and test it in the driveway.

 

[montrecott]

It looks like it might come with a DL-160 cart which is also hard to find

You are correct, it is a DL-160 cart. I did not include the pic of that box in my post (will add it now).

 

[montrecott]

Or - have her toss an extension cord out from the garage and test it in the driveway.

Good thought, although it sounds like she's not up for doing that. Maybe her butler can do it. It's that kind of neighborhood.

 

[bigcaddy64]

That is my daily table and its as good as they get. Its easy to use and has lots of great features, sounds good, looks fantastic and easily plays warped records without bouncing. I can't use it for record testing vinyl i plan on selling due to that alone. Its very forgiving due to the servo tonearm controls.

Mine, like yours, didn't come with a 45 adapter but thats easily obtained. I don't know of any "known" problems with these tables and direct drive means no gummed up lube to service. I'd bring a record with you and see if it spins/cues up properly. Thats about all you can do unless you want to have the butler help you hook up a complete system.

 

[silvernutsaq]

Seems like a good price for a nice table and cartridge with potential shortcomings, and a great price if working properly and the cart/stylus is fine. I sold my DP-52F in great shape locally for 300 about 2 years ago and prices have risen since. Let us know if you buy it. Maybe she could place an album on it and turn it on and see if it cues up and returns properly?

 

[markshan]

Don't just test for rotation. Those (if I'm not mistaken) have electronic tracking control, and that is what often fails and can't be repaired. An unobtainium IC sets the tracking weight and anti skate. You MUST actually play a record on it. Wonderful unit, but you don't want to spend a couple hundred on a brick.

 

[bigcaddy64]

yup, they don't have many mechanical functions going on under the hood. No damper oil, belts, etc.

 

[montrecott]

After some more interaction with the seller, she agreed to set the turntable up in her garage, and I brought a record. She turned out to be a very nice lady. Unfortunately the auto functionality was not there, so I passed. I also wonder about whether I want to own something depended on microprocessors. Beautiful turntable, though. Thanks to everyone for their feedback, especially those who encouraged me to go the extra mile and test it.

I'll eventually find something better, but in the meantime I have two good direct drive turntables, both working.